And a warm welcome to Emporio Green Army, seller of ethical and sustainable products in and around the West Berkshire area.

Who am I and why am I doing this?

I have been trying to change my family’s consumer habits and purchases for more environmentally conscious options for a while and I’ve found that wanting to shop consciously doesn't always work with shopping locally. As I have had to purchase by mail order some key products such as bamboo toothbrushes, loofahs and bars of soap with zero plastic and no nasties I wanted to make it easier for other local people to do the same. I sell primarily at pop-up events (please invite me along if you're having one!) but also face-to-face around Thatcham and I can do mail order as I know we have friends in other areas who struggle to find the products they would like to buy.

I carefully choose my products based on their low environmental impact and also what I know works, the majority of what I sell are items we use in our own home and I believe in choosing functional, useful items from smaller UK producers.

It takes a lot of people doing zero waste imperfectly, not just one or two doing it perfectly.....

It takes a long time to change consumer habits that have built up over a lifetime and I am passionate about encouraging small changes for longer term impact. Even just a small change from plastic sponge to loofah, or liquid soap to bar soap, makes a long term difference to what ends up in landfill. The green revolution is here and thriving in Thatcham.

Our consumer history stays with us

The turning point for me was when I was thinking about toothbrushes. Every toothbrush I’ve ever used from childhood right through to my 4th decade will still be there, in landfill, somewhere. It’s a horrifying thought! But a starting point to aim to do more and help others do the same.

Local things for local people

Here in Thatcham there is a growing community of people keen to make a difference with how they live and what they buy, and it is brilliant to be a part of this. There is a collect in person option for local customers and as ever I will offer to deliver if you are close to our home. Of course I am happy to mail items to people further afield! Please note that as part of my family's commitment to the environment I will only be using recycled packing materials. I will only charge for postage, not packing, and it may not be a very pretty parcel but you can be assured the environmental impact will be kept minimal.

Have a browse and please feel free to ask any questions about ingredients or production of the products I have chosen for your consideration.